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1. Executive Summary .............................................................................................................................. 2 2. Introduction ..........................................................................................................................................3 3. Discussion .............................................................................................................................................3 3.1 Definition of illiteracy ...................................................................................................................... 3 3.2 Cost of illiteracy in economic terms ................................................................................................ 4 3.2.1 Lost earnings and limited employability ................................................................................... 4 3.2.2 Lost business productivity ........................................................................................................4 3.2.3 Lost wealth creation opportunities for individuals and business ............................................... 4 3.2.3 Lower technology skills capacity in future ................................................................................ 5 3.3 Cost of illiteracy in social terms .......................................................................................................5 3.3.1 Health ......................................................................................................................................5 3.3.2 Crime .......................................................................................................................................6 3.3.3 Welfare ....................................................................................................................................6 3.3.4 Education and the role of the family ........................................................................................ 6 4. Cost tables ............................................................................................................................................7 Table 4a: Cost of illiteracy in developed countries ................................................................................ 7 Table 4b: Cost of illiteracy in emerging countries .................................................................................. 8 Table 4c: Cost of illiteracy in developing countries ................................................................................ 9 4.1 The battle of illiterates in developed and developing nations ......................................................... 9 4.2 Snapshot: Cost of illiteracy to a developed nation: UK ..................................................................10 4.3 Literacy and poverty ..................................................................................................................... 10 4.4 Current global initiatives to overcome illiteracy ............................................................................11 4.4.1 The Education for All goals .....................................................................................................11 4.4.2 The Millennium Development Goals ...................................................................................... 11 4.4.3 The Global Compact on Learning ............................................................................................ 12 4.4.4 What happens in 2015?..........................................................................................................12 5. Recommendations .............................................................................................................................. 13 5.1 Establishing adult and parental literacy programs .........................................................................13 5.2 Students in schools: attendance and retention strategy ................................................................ 13 5.3 Resources, training and technology............................................................................................... 13 5.4 Paying for it all .............................................................................................................................. 14 6. Conclusion ..........................................................................................................................................15 7. Bibliography........................................................................................................................................15
World Literacy Foundation THE ECONOMIC & SOCIAL COST OF ILLITERACY April 2012
1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
This report calls for collective global action to eradicate illiteracy in our society. The research highlights the social and economic impact of a persons inability to read and write. Illiteracy is ruining lives and is linked with an array of poor life outcomes, such as poverty, unemployment social exclusion, crime and long term illness. The World Literacy Foundation is challenging a mindset amongst world leaders to treat illiteracy as a type of disease of which we all are aiming to eradicate. Over the years, there have been many attempts to place an economic value on the cost of illiteracy in various nations. There are disputes about the methodologies used to calculate such figures. But the fact remains that illiteracy costs the global economy more than USD $1 trillion dollars each year due to the fact that at least one in five people worldwide struggle with i illiteracy . This is a global tragedy. Behind the numbers are the millions of people who live in poverty due to the simple fact that they are illiterate. However, the problem is anything but simple. Functional illiteracy means a person may be able to read and write simple words, but cannot apply these skills to tasks such ii as reading a medicine label, balancing a chequebook, or filling out a job application . Shockingly, more than 796 million people in the world cannot read and write . About 67 million children do not have access iv v to primary school education and another 72 million miss out on secondary school education . The findings of this final report include: The cost of illiteracy to the global economy is estimated at USD $1.19 trillion. The effects of illiteracy are very similar in developing and developed countries. This includes illiterate people trapped in a cycle of poverty with limited opportunities for employment or income generation and higher chances of poor health, turning to crime and dependence on social welfare or charity (if available).
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Zambia: Children from Mothers without Borders School reading together in class E3 Imagine
World Literacy Foundation THE ECONOMIC & SOCIAL COST OF ILLITERACY April 2012
2. INTRODUCTION
The purpose of this report is to highlight the economic and social cost of illiteracy to the global economy. It will discuss the causes and issues surrounding illiteracy, the direct link between poverty and illiteracy and how tackling literacy has a very real and measurable impact on the growth of an economy.
Poor literacy also limits a persons ability to engage in activities that require either critical thinking or a solid base of literacy and numeracy skills. Such activities may include: Understanding government policies and voting in elections Using a computer to do banking or interact with government agencies Calculating the cost and potential return of a financial investment Using a computer or smartphone to look up and access up-to-date news and information; communicate with others via email or social networking sites; or shop online, read product reviews and user feedback and get the best prices for goods and services Completing a higher education degree or training Analysing sophisticated media and advertising messages, particularly for get-rich-quick scams Assisting children with homework.
UNESCO defines functional illiteracy as measured by assessing reading, writing and mathematical skills in the various domains of social life which influence individual identity and insertion into society. From this perspective, literacy involves not only reading and writing but also the acquisition of the skills necessary for effective and productive performance within societyvi. As discussion unfolds in the following sections, it is important to note these effects and costs of illiteracy apply equally in both developed and developing nations.
World Literacy Foundation THE ECONOMIC & SOCIAL COST OF ILLITERACY April 2012
3.2 COST OF ILLITERACY IN ECONOMIC TERMS 3.2.1 LOST EARNINGS AND LIMITED EMPLOYABILITY
Around the world, the impact of illiteracy on personal income varies but it is clear earning potential is limited. Illiterate people earn 30%-42% less than their literate counterparts and do not have the literacy skills required to undertake further vocational education or training to improve their earning capacityvii viii. One study shows the income of a person with poor literacy stays about the same throughout their working life. However, individuals with good literacy and numeracy skills can expect their incomes to increase at least two to three times what they were earning at the beginning of their careers. Young people who do not complete primary schooling are less likely to obtain jobs good enough to avoid povertyix.
One survey of employees found that about 70% of respondents said their organisation had made noticeable cost savings through language and literacy training. Benefits of the training included: Direct cost savings Access to further training Improved participation in teams and meetings Promotion opportunities and job flexibility Higher morale.
World Literacy Foundation THE ECONOMIC & SOCIAL COST OF ILLITERACY April 2012
For businesses, poor literacy and numeracy skills make it harder for business owners and entrepreneurs to understand and xiii apply business finance concepts such as management and allocation of capital to increase shareholder value . This is very different from ensuring that income exceeds expenses. The difference is often what separates big business from small.
World Literacy Foundation THE ECONOMIC & SOCIAL COST OF ILLITERACY April 2012
Employees with poor literacy are more likely to have work-related accidents because they cannot read or understand written health and safety regulations and warnings or instructions on how to safely operate machinery. This puts both themselves and their co-workers at risk, increases the need and cost of medical services, leading to higher absenteeism and damages xviii long-term productivity .
3.3.2 CRIME
The link between illiteracy and crime is clear. In various countries around the world, studies show that a majority of prison inmates have poor literacy skills. Also, amongst juvenile delinquents, up to 85% are functionally illiteratexix. In various nations, estimates show that 60-80% of prisoners have reading and writing skills below basic levels. Those who are still illiterate upon release have a high probability of re-offendingxx. This is a high cost to the economy in terms of maintaining prisons, administrating the courts and running the justice system.
3.3.3 WELFARE
Illiterate people are more likely to be on welfare or unemployment benefits having dropped out of school or being unable to find workxxi. High school dropouts are more than three times likely to receive welfare than high school graduatesxxii. Low income earning potential (discussed earlier) due to illiteracy also makes a higher number of welfare dependants xxiii. This puts a heavy burden on the social security system of any nation. The good news is that adult literacy programs, especially those that include job searching skills and a focus on finding employment, can be successful in reducing or eliminating dependence on welfare. xxiv.
World Literacy Foundation THE ECONOMIC & SOCIAL COST OF ILLITERACY April 2012
4. COST TABLES
OECD countries, on average, spend around 4.6% of their GDP on educational institutions at primary, secondary and tertiary levels (note that in some countries, additional education spending occurs in the private sector)xxviii. However, there is little data showing the cost of illiteracy globally. The World Literacy Foundation has compiled the tables below to estimate the cost of illiteracy worldwide. This report assumes that illiteracy costs a developed nation 2% of its GDP, an emerging economy 1.2% of GDP, and a developing country 0.5% of GDP. These figures are based on a sample study of countries in each category based upon xxix UNESCOs mathematical formula for calculating the economic impact of illiteracy . The average has been applied across all countries in each group. These estimates reflect a lower level of spending on social services such as welfare, health and the justice system in less developed countries. In total, the estimated cost of illiteracy to the global economy is estimated at $1.19 trillion (USD). (Note the actual total figure will be higher as these tables include only the major economies of the worlds developed, emerging and developing nations.)
World Literacy Foundation THE ECONOMIC & SOCIAL COST OF ILLITERACY April 2012
Poland Portugal Singapore Slovak Republic Slovenia South Korea Spain Sweden Switzerland United Kingdom * United States TOTAL
$765.60 $246.90 $314.50 $126.90 $58.56 $1,554 $1,411 $379.40 $340.50 $2,250 $15,040
$15.31 $4.94 $6.29 $2.54 $1.17 $31.08 $28.22 $7.59 $6.81 $127 $300.80 $803.94
* Note: UK figure is measured at 3.75% of GDP based on a detailed study on this country in the interim report.
World Literacy Foundation THE ECONOMIC & SOCIAL COST OF ILLITERACY April 2012
TOTAL
$381.11
World Literacy Foundation THE ECONOMIC & SOCIAL COST OF ILLITERACY April 2012
In developing countries, its the story of a person who has to live amongst the poorest of the poor, often in very remote places. Youre a mother and want your children to have a better life. You want them to be educated. But your husband says they should help with farming or take care of younger siblings so youre free to help eke out a meagre income. Even if you win agreement to send them to school, the nearest one is hours away, on foot, through inhospitable terrain. Depending on which country you live in, it could be miles of steep mountains, desert scrub or rivers that often flood, cutting off access. If they get there, a willing but untrained teacher has to manage a class of at least 50 children of varying ages. The school building (if there is one) is in poor repair and exposed to the elements. There are few textbooks and other resources. And if youre in a country with more than one national language, guess which one is used in class? Alas, the one your children dont speak.
In the UK, people with poor literacy have the lowest levels of employment and are more likely to be in manual jobs. Also, improved literacy rates show that (all data from the National Literacy Trustxxxv): The likelihood of employment and higher wages increases The likelihood of a person using a computer at work (an indicator of a job role requiring more professional skills) rises from 48% to 65% The likelihood of a man owning a home (an indicator of earning capacity) increases from 40% to 78%.
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World Literacy Foundation THE ECONOMIC & SOCIAL COST OF ILLITERACY April 2012
It is estimated today that for every single year that the average level of education of the adult population is raised, there is a corresponding increase of 3.7% in long-term economic growth and a 6% increase in per capita income
xxxix
In relation to childrens literacy, improving even the most basic educational outcomes can help. For example, if all children in low-income countries left school knowing how to read then 171 million people could move out of povertyxl.
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World Literacy Foundation THE ECONOMIC & SOCIAL COST OF ILLITERACY April 2012
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World Literacy Foundation THE ECONOMIC & SOCIAL COST OF ILLITERACY April 2012
5. RECOMMENDATIONS
While the goal of World Literacy Summit is to compile a comprehensive action plan to combat illiteracy, the World Literacy Foundation makes the recommendations outlined below as a starting point to deal with the issue. Each recommendation needs to be adapted to individual country contexts. For example: an adult literacy program for the lower class in the US or UK will look very different to an adult literacy program for a man or woman living in a rural African or Asian village.
Adult literacy programs should focus not just on the mechanics of literacy but be highly relevant and practical to the learner.
4.
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World Literacy Foundation THE ECONOMIC & SOCIAL COST OF ILLITERACY April 2012
4.
Develop tutoring, remedial and reading for fun programs for slow learners to help them keep up with their peers and overcome lack of engagement in reading.
2. 3.
Kenya: Rivah and her father Pastor Fred choose a book to read from the library E3 Imagine
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World Literacy Foundation THE ECONOMIC & SOCIAL COST OF ILLITERACY April 2012
6. CONCLUSION
In this report, an estimate of over USD $1 trillion has been estimated as the cost of illiteracy to the global economy. One can put figures on the social cost in terms of welfare payments or the burden on the health system. but the real figure in terms of opportunity cost and human cost will never be known. These are the costs of lost opportunities to create individual financial wealth, encourage entrepreneurs, build healthier and more stable families whose members can make a productive contribution to all areas of society (political and cultural as well as economic). Tragically, illiteracy also costs human lives. How many young babies, children and even adults have their lives endangered due to the inability to read, write and use literacy skills to access information that could save their lives? It is time to act to stop this human tragedy once and for all.
Jamaica: Tamara and her son Adam share a joke while they read together E3 Imagine
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World Literacy Foundation THE ECONOMIC & SOCIAL COST OF ILLITERACY April 2012
7. BIBLIOGRAPHY
i
Leitch, S (December 2006); Leitch Review of Skills: Prosperity for all in the global economy - world class skills; Her Majestys Stationery Office. ii ProLiteracy; Basic Facts About Literacy; accessed 10 January 2012 at <http://www.proliteracy.org/page.aspx?pid=345> iii UNESCO (2011); The hidden crisis: armed conflict and education; UNESCO Publishing iv Brown, G (2011); Education for All: beating poverty, unlocking prosperity; UNESCO v Center for Universal Education at Brookings (June 2011); A Global Compact on Learning: Taking Action on Education in Developing Countries vi Martinez, R & Fernandez, P (2010); The Social and Economic Impact of Illiteracy: Analytical Model and Pilot Study; UNESCO vii Literacy Centre Milford, Inc; How the Literacy Centre Got Started; accessed 1 March 2012 at <http://www.literacycenterofmilford.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1&Itemid=2> viii Martinez, R & Fernandez, P (2010); The Social and Economic Impact of Illiteracy: Analytical Model and Pilot Study; UNESCO ix Martinez, R & Fernandez, P (2010); The Social and Economic Impact of Illiteracy: Analytical Model and Pilot Study; UNESCO x Hartley, R & Horne, J (2005); Social and economic benefits of improved adult literacy: Towards a better understanding; National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER), Australian Government xi The Economist (3 April 2008); Getting it right on the money: A global crusade is under way to teach personal finance to the masses; access on 14 January 2012 at < http://www.economist.com/node/10958702> xii Hartley, R & Horne, J (2005); Social and economic benefits of improved adult literacy: Towards a better understanding; National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER), Australian Government xiii Ross, S, Thompson, S, Christensen, M, Westerfield, R, Jordan, B (2007); Fundamentals of Corporate Finance 4th Edition; McGraw-Hill Irwin xiv National Literacy Trust (September 2009); Manifesto for Literacy xv Jama, D & Dugdale, G (March 2010); Literacy: State of the Nation, A picture of literacy in the UK today; National Literacy Trust xvi Martinez, R & Fernandez, P (2010); The Social and Economic Impact of Illiteracy: Analytical Model and Pilot Study; UNESCO xvii UNESCO, Education and the Millennium Development Goals (Paris: UNESCO, 2010b), access on 1 March 2012 at http://www.unesco.org/fileadmin/MULTIMEDIA/HQ/ED/ GMR/pdf/gmr2010/MDG2010_Facts_and_Figures_EN.pdf. xviii Martinez, R & Fernandez, P (2010); The Social and Economic Impact of Illiteracy: Analytical Model and Pilot Study; UNESCO xix Literacy Centre Milford, Inc; How the Literacy Centre Got Started; accessed 1 March 2012 at <http://www.literacycenterofmilford.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1&Itemid=2> xx Simplified Spelling Society; What's the cost of having a difficult spelling system?; accessed on 12 January at <http://www.spellingsociety.org/kids/cost.htm> xxi Begin to Read; Literacy Statistics; accessed on 11 January 2012 at <http://www.begintoread.com/research/literacystatistics.html> xxii ProLiteracy America (March 2003); U.S. Adult Literacy Programs: Making a Difference, A Review of Research on Positive Outcomes Achieved by Literacy Programs and the People They Serve xxiii Doughty, S (7 February 2008); Britain's benefits generation: State handouts now a 'way of life for six million'; Daily Mail; accessed on 12 January at <http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-512754/Britains-benefits-generation-State-handoutsway-life-million.html> xxiv ProLiteracy America (March 2003); U.S. Adult Literacy Programs: Making a Difference, A Review of Research on Positive Outcomes Achieved by Literacy Programs and the People They Serve xxv Martinez, R & Fernandez, P (2010); The Social and Economic Impact of Illiteracy: Analytical Model and Pilot Study; UNESCO xxvi xxvi Literacy Centre Milford, Inc; How the Literacy Centre Got Started; accessed 1 March 2012 at <http://www.literacycenterofmilford.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1&Itemid=2> xxvii National Literacy Trust (October 2011); Literacy: A route to addressing child poverty?
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World Literacy Foundation THE ECONOMIC & SOCIAL COST OF ILLITERACY April 2012
xxviii xxix
OECD Education Database, OECD (2010); Education at a Glance 2010, OECD, Paris Martinez, R & Fernandez, P (2010); The Social and Economic Impact of Illiteracy: Analytical Model and Pilot Study; UNESCO xxx GDP figures sourced from country pages at the CIA Factbook: accessed January to March 2012 at <https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/index.html> xxxi Thomas, P, Date, J, Sandell, C & Cook, T (25 February 2008); Living in the Shadows: Illiteracy in America; ABC World News; accessed 27 February at <http://abcnews.go.com/WN/LegalCenter/story?id=4336421&page=1> xxxii Thomas, P, Date, J & Cook, T (26 February 2008); Out of the Shadows: Overcoming Illiteracy; ABC World News; accessed 27 February at <http://abcnews.go.com/WN/LegalCenter/story?id=4342759&page=1> xxxiii Woosey, B (2005); The effect the eight million illiterate adults on the UK; BBC. xxxiv Leitch, S (December 2006); Leitch Review of Skills: Prosperity for all in the global economy - world class skills; Her Majestys Stationery Office. xxxv National Literacy Trust (October 2011); Literacy: A route to addressing child poverty? xxxvi National Literacy Trust (October 2011); Literacy: A route to addressing child poverty? xxxvii Martinez, R & Fernandez, P (2010); The Social and Economic Impact of Illiteracy: Analytical Model and Pilot Study; UNESCO xxxviii Martinez, R & Fernandez, P (2010); The Social and Economic Impact of Illiteracy: Analytical Model and Pilot Study; UNESCO xxxix UNESCO (2009); Harnessing the power and potential of adult learning and education for a viable future xl Center for Universal Education at Brookings (June 2011); A Global Compact on Learning: Taking Action on Education in Developing Countries xli UNESCO (2009); Harnessing the power and potential of adult learning and education for a viable future xlii United Nations; Millennium Development Goal 2; accessed 1 March 2012 at <http://www.un.org/millenniumgoals/education.shtml> xliii United Nations; Millennium Development Goal 3; accessed 1 March 2012 at <http://www.un.org/millenniumgoals/gender.shtml> xliv Center for Universal Education at Brookings (June 2011); A Global Compact on Learning: Taking Action on Education in Developing Countries xlv Brown, G (2011); Education for All: beating poverty, unlocking prosperity; UNESCO
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